Political Science & International Relations
WELCOME
The Department of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Delaware offers dynamic undergraduate and graduate programs that explore how power and politics shape societies locally and globally. Led by internationally recognized faculty, the department emphasizes four core fields — International Relations, Comparative Politics, American Politics and Political Theory. Our two majors, International Relations and Political Science, and our many minors encourage interdisciplinary study in areas such as global governance, political psychology, gender and politics and social justice. With a strong focus on student success and real-world engagement, the Department of Political Science and International Relations prepares graduates to lead, research and create change in academia, government and beyond.
Why Political Science & International Relations?
- Legislative Fellows spend a semester working in the Delaware General Assembly for representatives and committees. Students gain valuable insight into state and local politics, make valuable employment connections and earn a stipend.
- Our undergraduate students: Develop important skills like communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and data analysis, which are valuable in politics, government, business and the non-profit sector.
- Graduate and Professional Degrees: Students pursue graduate and professional degrees at prestigious universities in many exciting fields, including architecture, economics and more.
93%
of employers say that “a demonstrated capacity to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems is more important than their undergraduate major."
Over 700
world leaders and scholars from more than 30 countries have been participants in internationally recognized State Department programs since 2009.
95%
of International Relations majors graduate in four years or less.
-
_800x533.jpg)
Cheers to the Class of 2026
May 23, 2026 | Written by Amy WolfCommencement speaker Mariah Calagione, co-founder of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, inspires graduates to find connection and community. -
Guests of honor
May 21, 2026 | Written by UDaily staffGet to know the 2026 guests of honor, who boast a wide range of achievements — from brewing award-winning beer to strengthening civic education to earning Tonys to permanently reshaping how we view African American history. -
What’s next for the Class of 2026?
May 20, 2026 | Written by UDaily staffThe newest Blue Hen alumni are heading into careers, classrooms and communities across the country and beyond. -
Honoring outstanding seniors
May 19, 2026 | Written by Alison ArmstrongEllery Bergman Chudnow and Nivedita Prabhu are the 2026 recipients of the Emalea Pusey Warner and Alexander J. Taylor Sr. Awards for Outstanding Seniors. The awards are presented by the University of Delaware Alumni Association (UDAA) each year to recognize seniors who demonstrate leadership, academic success and community service.
Upcoming Events
The Class That Will Stay With Me
As the University of Delaware Class of 2025 gets ready for Commencement, we asked seniors what classes had the biggest impact on them during their Blue Hen career. This spring senior Alexandra Mavridis has been working as a Legislative Fellow with the Delaware Senate Majority Caucus. Here’s the class that will stay with her after graduation.
UD 2025 Graduate Alexandra Mavridis shares “The Class That Will Stay With Me”: youtube.com/watch?v=eGwzeqanbhg
Center for Political Communication (CPC)
The CPC is a nonpartisan, interdisciplinary center connecting academics, students and the community to relevant issues in political communication. Since its creation, the CPC consistently touches on issues that are part of, or about to be part of, the national conversation. Whether it is racial injustice, climate change, polarization or the future of our democracy, the CPC provides context through courses, research and programs.
